8 Common Cleaning Mistakes Professional Cleaners Wish You’d Stop Making

If you’ve ever had professional cleaners come into your home, you’ve probably wondered what they think of how you maintain your space. While they’re not there to judge, they’ve definitely seen a few cleaning habits that make them cringe. I spoke with five professional cleaners from across the U.S., and here are the most cringe-worthy cleaning mistakes they see clients make.

Trendy trays and baskets may seem like the perfect way to organize your bathroom or kitchen, but they can create hidden messes. “The reality is that those trays are filled and cramped,” says Jecko De Leon, operations manager of Bear Brothers Cleaning. “Because the tray gets lifted very seldom, the surface underneath it becomes a hidden spot for dusty grime buildup.”

It might seem like a good idea to tidy up before the cleaner arrives, but it can actually complicate their work. “I’ve opened closet doors that looked like avalanche zones — dirty dishes mixed with clean laundry, important documents buried under random junk,” says Dawn Zapf, owner of Executive Maids. “This actually makes our job harder and less effective. We can’t properly dust surfaces that are covered with displaced clutter, and we end up spending valuable time moving piles around instead of actually cleaning.”

“We always cringe when we see a client using a single dirty rag for everything,” says Emily Adams of NW Maids House Cleaning Service. Using one rag for every surface doesn’t just make cleaning inefficient; it also spreads germs. De Leon adds that the same applies to sponges, which can easily transfer bacteria instead of removing it. Color-coding your rags and sponges — one for the kitchen, one for the bathroom, and one for other areas — can help avoid cross-contamination.

While it’s understandable to show your cleaner around the first time they visit, giving them a long walk-through every time isn’t necessary. “Full walk-throughs — especially at every visit — take time we’d rather spend actually cleaning,” says Robin Murphy, chief cleaning officer of Maid Brigade. “We’re professionals and know what we’re doing. If something needs special attention, a note or quick verbal reminder is usually more than enough.”

Furniture polish can do wonders for wood, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Overusing it on other surfaces can cause unwanted buildup. Murphy has seen clients unknowingly leave residue on their furniture, and in some cases, use products like vinegar or essential oils that can etch natural stone or dull surfaces. Zapf also points out that excessive use of furniture polish creates a waxy layer that attracts more dirt and makes proper cleaning nearly impossible.

Viral cleaning products may seem like a game-changer after seeing them on social media, but they often don’t live up to the hype in real-world cleaning. Karen Larkin Jaser, owner of Belle Home Housecleaning, warns that some products that promise quick results can actually end up being more time-consuming. For example, while these gadgets might look impressive, they often require extra steps or don’t work as efficiently on all surfaces.

According to Murphy, The Pink Stuff, a popular CleanTok favorite, is one such product that doesn’t work on everything. Instead of speeding up cleaning, these products can end up causing more frustration and slowing down the process.

Folding damp cloths and storing them under the sink can quickly lead to mildew and unpleasant odors. “Same goes for sponges,” Murphy says. “Either let them dry fully or wash them right away. It’s a small habit with a big impact.”

DIY cleaning products can seem like a natural, cost-effective option, but using them without proper labeling can create issues. Larkin Jaser says she’s often been asked to use homemade concoctions, like vinegar blends or mystery pastes, which can be risky. Without knowing the exact ingredients, it’s hard to ensure they’re safe, especially when it comes to protecting sensitive surfaces or being around pets and children. It’s important to always label homemade products clearly, so everyone involved knows what they’re working with.